General Principles On Environmental Noise Control

By Eugenia Dickerson


Noise can simply be described as unwanted or annoying sound. Significantly high noise levels negatively impact on the human population both emotionally and physically. A noisy environment is not only difficult to work in but poses a significant health risk as well. Persons that work in such environments need to undergo regular medical check-ups so that they can be screened for hearing impairment. The main purpose of environmental noise control is to make the acoustic environment better.

The management of this pollution is centered on architecture, urban planning, transport and occupational areas. Globally, aircraft and road traffic are the most stubborn sources of pollution. With the exception of electrical vehicle development, very little has been to abate road and aircraft air pollution. Recreational activities may affect people living in neighboring areas by generating amplified sounds and music. This poses a significant challenge in effective control strategies

There are various methods that may be employed indoors or outdoors depending on the source. The available potions can be used for walls, ceilings, floors or exterior walls. The type of material chosen is determined by, among other factors, the function of the structure. Theaters, recording studios and auditoria produce sound that can be easily absorbed by baffles. Sound masking is the active addition of other sounds that help minimise other unwanted sounds.

The planned introduction of hybrid vehicles is set to reduce the level of sound pollution in the streets. This, unfortunately, will take an extremely long time to be realised. It is estimated that at least half of the vehicles have to be replaced on the roads if the pollution is to be controlled. Other ways of controlling the problem include modification of tire tread designs and improving diesel stacks. Speed control is an additional measure that can be undertaken.

In the aircraft industry, getting rid of loud engine designs is one of the few measures put in place as a noise control strategy. A number of different flight restrictions are a great potential to improved acoustic environment. This may include preferred use of runways, time of day restrictions and departure flight path. The major setbacks however are flying inconvenience, flight economics and safety.

A number of finishes and materials can be employed in ceiling panels and acoustic walls. A good panel is one that does not interfere with the substrate. Fabric covers are used for effective maximum absorption. The covers may be modified into sound blankets or curtains that are used to cover surfaces or noisy equipment. Moreover, windows that are thicker or double glazed may also serve the same purpose.

In manufacturing industries, it is important to adopt designs that will produce the least amount of noise possible. Persons that are stationed in these places should have protective equipment and should be exposed to the environment only when necessary. Quality control departments should have their own quiet rooms where proper acoustics are fitted to keep away the disturbance.

Well planned environmental noise control can eliminate a key component of industrial, recreational or road traffic impact on the surrounding environment. Summarily, the available techniques include sound insulation, absorption, vibration, damping and isolation. Sound insulation introduces a mass barrier to prevent sound transmission. Damping works by extracting vibration energy and dissipating as heat from the thin sheet.




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